It is with heavy hearts that the St. Tikhon’s community learned of the Very Reverend Dr. Alexander Atty’s decision to step down as Dean and Chief Operating Officer of the Seminary due to issues of illness. In a statement released to the community on Tuesday evening, Father Alexander said: “I feel at this time that my physical struggles make it impossible for me to devote the time and energy necessary to the Seminary and, most importantly, to the student body.”

Father Alexander went onto describe the great blessings he had received in serving the students of the Seminary and asked for the community’s prayers for both him and his family. The St. Tikhon’s community wishes Father Alexander all of God’s choicest blessings as he undergoes medical treatment, and asks for the prayer’s of the entire Church.

Included below are a few words by the President of the Seminary, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and the Rector of the Seminary, His Grace Bishop Michael.